Topic: It's a Sad Day in HooVille
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Joel is correct. I have replaced many of them myself. Not just in the 350, but the 305 and the V6 engines (229, 200) as well. And yes, if you flush the engine well, installing the new cam provides long term operation, without a full engine rebuild. This is provided of course that you have used a good, or at least a decent, oil filter.
There a few motor oils left that still have enough ZDDP to do the job. Many do not. But a bit of engine assembly lube in with your oil will do the job. You don't need exotic or expensive additives. 4 oz is all that is needed. Overdoing it could actually cause other problems.
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Indianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Mark, sorry to hear about this being discovered now (just before the gathering). But like everyone else, I'm glad to hear about this being discovered now (before you were on the road to the gathering).
I do love your positive attitude and for volunteering to be the official support vehicle of the gathering (at least it's a chevy!)
Good luck and have fun!
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!

Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
I sure am glad that Joel & Ken mentioned you do not have to do a total rebuild. If you have a few "motorhead" buddies you can replace the cam in an afternoon.
Shucks....
It probally takes more time to pull the radiator out than most of the other stuff involved.
Besides, now you can add a little more ummph to the Pacer and go undetechtable. Only you and yer closest C3VR Buds will ever know.....
Shucks....
It probally takes more time to pull the radiator out than most of the other stuff involved.
Besides, now you can add a little more ummph to the Pacer and go undetechtable. Only you and yer closest C3VR Buds will ever know.....
Thanks everyone for the great words of wisdom, especially Joel & Ken. You all are great
Since I have not hit the lottery yet I don't think i'm going to do a total rebuild. I'll just get the cam replaced, lifters done, and of course a good ole flush for the engine. That will save me a lot of $$$.

The trip went off without a hitch, the 3 tool boxes, water, oil, and everything else I brought along just incase never even came out of the back of the truck. Everyones Vettes ran like charms.
Thanks again, that was a great lesson on additives also 

MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

Indianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Wiat a minute! A gathering without breakdowns? No emergency calls to Joel?
Sounds like everybody in Bend missed out on the full experience! Glad to hear things went well. Good luck on the engine work Mark.
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
That's right I didn't even have to pull out the jumper cables or anything else, and the only thing I needed water for was all the over-heated people

Oh ya, I'VE GOT WATER !!! ANYONE NEED WATER?
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"
On the subject matter, my cam was replaced at 60,000 miles by a previous owner. I was told that GM had a bunch of "soft" cams.
On the off topic, my speedometer stopped working on Wednesday morning on the way to Bend, OR. No speedo = no cruise.
So Mike Dunn recommended a shop. We took it over there Friday morning and it was all fixed by 5:00 PM. Thanks Mike.


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A bit more on the oil discussion. There are a number of motor oils available that have the good additives, and as one of the writers noted, they state "for off road use" or "not for street applications". One that I use is a Valvoline Synpower racing oil (which is how many are sold). Believe it or not, I have found this at Advance auto.
C3: 1979 Corvette Coupe, Auto, L-48, Red/Doeskin (my wife's fave);
C4s: 1986 C4 coupe (SCCA road race car), satin black, 4+3, Z51 package, L-98; & 1993 C4 coupe, white, 6-speed, LT-1.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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